<Wasn’t This a Strategy Game? Episode 78>

“Thank you so much, Priest! I was really worried I wouldn’t see Ella again… *sniff*…”

Tetes cried like a child, repeatedly bowing to Eden. Eden felt her heart swell at the sight.

So relieved to have found Ella! It was pure joy and relief, unrelated to any quests or missions.

“No, I’m just glad we found Ella.”

“It’s all thanks to you, Priest…! I don’t even know how to express my gratitude… *sniff*…”

Tetes wiped his tears with his rough hands and hastily pulled something out from his pocket.

“This is a small token of appreciation… please accept it, Priest.”

Eden was taken aback by the sudden gift and waved her hands in refusal. Finding Ella was more than enough reward for resolving the Reblem episode.

“Oh, no. I didn’t do this expecting anything in return.”

“Please! It will make me feel better, Priest. I think of this as Ella’s life worth, and it’s still not enough. It’s the most precious thing I have; it’s a luck-bringing necklace.”

Despite Eden’s reluctance, Tetes forced the object into her hands and lifted Ella up high.

“And if you ever need my help, which I hope won’t be necessary, feel free to come find me. I, Tetes, will proudly use the name of Pavellogva to assist!”

He bowed and turned away.

“Goodbye, Priest!”

Ella, perched on their father’s back, waved energetically as if feeling a bit sad, and Eden quickly smiled back, waving in return.

After the two disappeared from sight, Eden stopped waving and looked down at what she held.

This isn’t something I was looking for at all.

Oddly enough, she felt prouder and more touched than when receiving any other reward.

“Why is this so unnecessarily moving and chaotic?”

Eden pinched her nose to hold back her tears and sniffled.

What Tetes had given her was a thin ring embedded with a tiny red gem.

It didn’t look particularly valuable for a magic stone, but it made her uncomfortable to just accept something that Tetes claimed was the most precious thing he had.

Of course, she understood the sentiment of wanting to express her gratitude, so giving it back right away didn’t seem like the right answer either.

“I should keep it safe and return it before I go back…”

Eden, about to pocket it, worried she might lose it and took off the necklace she was wearing, threading the ring onto it instead.

It was the magical stone necklace bestowed by the Emperor. Though it had been weakened from use, she wore it, not wanting to forget it.

“With this, I shouldn’t lose it.”

While Eden looked at her now double-pendant necklace, a shadow loomed in front of her.

Startled, she looked up only to freeze in place seeing Asmun standing before her.

“Y-Your Highness.”

The expressionless Asmun was staring intently at the ring hanging from Eden’s necklace.

“Oh, this? Um, it’s a thank-you gift from Ella’s father… he’s a blacksmith, you see.”

As Eden stuttered through her explanation, Asmun shifted his gaze to her face. He looked at Eden, who was nervously avoiding his gaze, then finally spoke.

“Where is that person?”

At his quiet question, Eden felt a tingling sensation down her spine. The moment had come. She knew very well who “that person” referred to.

“…In the room.”

When Eden replied in a hushed voice, Asmun’s face hardened ominously.

“You mean in the Priest’s room?”

That made Eden awkwardly look elsewhere. It was something she couldn’t help but get into.

「You said it was fine to stay together after Eden returned.」

It was a promise she made, so she couldn’t push Hagen’ti to return to that desolate castle.

Moreover, Hagen’ti had made a significant contribution to this episode. His willingness to repair the ship at her request was even touching.

However, that very fact made it blatantly obvious that not just Asmun but his subordinates were extremely curious about Hagen’ti, so Eden was hiding him away in the room.

The idea that Hagen’ti might come out of the castle to find her had never crossed her mind, putting Eden in a near-explosive situation.

“Who is he? I hear he’s unrelated to the Temple.”

The chilly voice that pressed for answers made her shiver.

While she explained Hagen’ti’s appearance to the Temple and asked if they knew of any mage with such magical power, the Temple seemed oblivious.

Throughout resolving the Reblem issue, Hagen’ti had stuck to Eden like a shadow, yet Asmun’s mood was at its lowest.

“……”

Eden swallowed dryly before slowly opening her mouth.

“He is essential for Your Highness to become Emperor.”

Eden could feel Asmun’s expression grow even colder at her words, but she didn’t stop and pushed her prepared excuse.

“As you saw that day, he is a skilled mage. If I had been alone, it would have been a disaster.”

“What is his name?”

Asmun asked with a relaxed tone that contrasted his fierce expression. If he was such a great mage, surely his name would be on the Magic Tower’s list.

Knowing what he was after, Eden took a brief breath before calmly responding. She had debated countless times about whether to hide Hagen’ti’s identity, but…

“Hagen’ti.”

At that answer, Asmun furrowed his brow.

“It’s Hagen’ti.”

When Eden repeated it, Asmun’s eyes momentarily froze.

Asmun was well aware of the existence of the Great Mage Hagen’ti. However, it was common knowledge that this great mage had vanished fifty years ago, with not a single soul witnessing him since.

“…Are you talking about the Great Mage?”

Asmun confirmed, sounding incredulous, to which Eden nodded.

To convince Asmun, this approach might be better. Given Asmun’s personality, unless the person had considerable value, he would never accept Eden covering for him.

“…Did Hamun tell you this as well?”

Eden thought momentarily before nodding again. She felt guilty lying continuously, but had no alternative.

“No one else can know Hagen’ti’s identity.”

Eden added in a rush, and Asmun paused, pondering.

If word got out that Hagen’ti had returned, it would surely cause a commotion. Just his existence was significant enough for the Temple and Kiris to be eager to win him over to their side.

What Asmun couldn’t comprehend was precisely that point.

Why would such a person…

“Why is he helping you, Priest?”

The question left Eden momentarily speechless. Well, she didn’t quite know the exact answer either. Was it because it was predetermined? Or perhaps because she, as a hidden character, had found him first? Or maybe…

“I… kept Hagen’ti alive.”

It was a strange answer, but Asmun immediately grasped the nature of their relationship. So, Eden wasn’t just being saved for herself.

A deeper, intense displeasure pricked her throat. Asmun calmly swallowed his emotions before speaking again.

“So, will you keep him like this?”

At his cold voice, Eden hesitated but ultimately spoke carefully.

“For now, I would like you to take care of Hagen’ti.”

“No.”

Eden suggested to Hagen’ti, who had been cooped up all day, the same thing she did to Asmun, but he responded just like Asmun.

“Right, you don’t want to…”

Eden smiled weakly, as if resigned. Asmun also answered without a hint of hesitation.

“No, thanks.”

Both men gave such firm responses that there was no room for negotiation, leaving Eden feeling hopeless.

Now, she had to return to the Temple, while Asmun had to stay with Reblem for a while longer to wrap things up.

Hagen’ti claimed he wouldn’t return to the castle, but neither could she take him to the Temple.

She still hadn’t fully grasped Sereman’s intentions, making it impossible to reveal Hagen’ti’s presence.

‘I wonder if Sereman knows? That Hagen’ti left the castle…’

Eden glanced at Hagen’ti, who was staring intently at her.

‘I never thought Hagen’ti would voluntarily leave the castle…’

Yet, considering it, Hagen’ti had appeared at a critical moment, allowing her to wrap up the episode smoothly.

‘This must be part of the predetermined plot.’

Whatever the reason, it was clear that she was developing a fondness for Hagen’ti. If this was a set storyline, she regrettably needed to utilize him a little more.

“Hagen’ti, as you saw that day, I have some things I need to do.”

Hagen’ti stared at Eden with a serious gaze.

“Once that’s done, I’ll make sure you don’t get hurt and stay by my side.”

Those words made Hagen’ti’s previously indifferent eyes light up strangely. Clearly, Eden’s plan was working effectively.

‘Honestly, it’s not a lie. I’ll gain high-level healing skills to help you out.’

Eden rationalized with effort and met Hagen’ti’s eyes.

“So I hope you help me get all of this done safely.”

As she observed Hagen’ti’s abilities, a new realization struck her. Hagen’ti was also a target for her strategy.

Hagen’ti’s skills were essential for Asmun to become Emperor, and he could pave the way for all the paths Eden needed to take.

After a moment of silence, Hagen’ti finally spoke.

“What do I need to do?”

Eden tried her best not to seem overly excited as she responded.

“First, I need you to help the 3rd Prince ascend to the throne and establish peace…”

“No.”